Youth with a positive face

Photo: VINCENT BROWN

Members of Oldham Youth Council

Young ambassadors determined to give the borough’s youth a greater voice have been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Members of Oldham Youth Council, their support workers and the council’s Empowerment and Participation Team have been recognised for their exceptional work.

The 67 volunteers, aged 13-21, aim to improve services for the borough’s young people and give them a positive image.

The group formed three years ago and since then it has set up and manages its own website and abseiled down the 200ft Oldham Civic Centre to raise funds for the Mayor’s Appeal.

With the support of the Children, Young People and Families Department, the youth council also won an Oldham Council STAR award which recognises council staff who go above and beyond the call of duty to provide a first-class service to the public.

It is currently running a campaign to extend the concessionary age for young people travelling on buses from 16 to 19.

Jodie Barber, senior youth work manager for empowerment and participation, said: “The group has done remarkably well. They are here to represent young people who are the future and want to make the town a better place for them.

“Most of them give up their evenings and weekends to run campaigns. They meet with key decision-makers and have influenced major decisions.

“They are passionate about what they do and their ultimate goal is to ensure young people’s voices are heard.”

On their nomination, she said: “The team will be over the moon because they want young people to be recognised for good things and not as yobs often portrayed in the media.”

The group, which meets at the Cannon Street Youth Centre, was nominated by Gerry Barry, who said: “These young people lead by example and provide inspiration to staff, managers, elected members and more importantly other young people across Oldham.

“They work hard at having fun and being as inclusive as possible. They understand the importance of constantly delivering an excellent service while representing Oldham’s young people and raising the town’s profile both locally, regionally and nationally.

“They always go beyond the call of duty and as a manager it gives me a great deal of pride.”


To nominate someone for a Pride in Oldham award, tell us:

The name of the person or group nominated

A contact number for them, if known

Their job title and place of work, if relevant

Your reason for the nomination

Your name

Your contact number

Send your info by email to editorial@oldham-chronicle.co.uk marked “Pride in Oldham Awards, 2008 

Pride in Oldham is supported by:

Innovative Technology

J W Lees Brewery

Molnlycke Health Care

Northern Counties Housing Association

Oldham Council

University Centre Oldham

Warburtons